JP2000202144A - Game system using card, and card managing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute replay from saved balls by issuing a replay card from a prepaid card issuing machine in a third party supply card system adopting store which can be applied mainly by the very small change of a present system and can manage the dispensation of a game medium. SOLUTION: The card issuing machine 7 for issuing a prepaid card receives a member's card MC and a slave set for sending data amount data obtained by turning data on saved balls stored in a member managing computer 2 is added to issue the replay card. Since a terminal controller 3 manages the issuing and using situation of the prepaid card PC and the replay card RC, it is possible to manage the issuing number of the replay cards RC and to process reissuing of them.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko parlor sales system, and more particularly to a pachinko parlor where a player purchases a prepaid card and uses a gaming machine with a card unit to obtain awarded balls. The present invention relates to a game system of a game store where a player can deposit and withdraw a game from the account and play a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system in which a card processing machine equipped with a card reader is arranged in parallel for each game machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine machine or the like and a game medium is supplied by a payment card such as a prepaid card. Is widespread. As described in JP-A-10-99531,
The player can purchase and play a prepaid card provided by a third party card supply company called a common card,
Also, there are some games that can be played even if a card purchased to play a game at a certain game shop is held at another shop. This prepaid card is issued by a prepaid card issuing machine in the store, the player inserts the prepaid card into a game medium lending machine equipped with a card reader, or a card type in which the card processing unit and the gaming unit are integrated By inserting a prepaid card into a gaming machine and, for example, in the case of a pachinko machine, by pressing a lending button provided around the supply tray or a card processing machine, a game medium is obtained and a game is played.

[0003] In recent years, in response to the introduction of CR machines having high playability, a system dedicated to lending balls with a prepaid card has been adopted. This prepaid card system comprises a card issuing machine for issuing a prepaid card by inserting cash, a card processing machine (CR unit) for reading information of the prepaid card and issuing a signal for causing a gaming machine to throw a ball, and It is composed of a CR machine, which is a gaming machine having a mechanism for dispensing lending balls based on a signal from the CR unit. The player turns cash into a card using a card issuing machine, receives a supply of lending balls from the CR unit and the CR machine using the card, and plays with the CR machine.

[0004] In this case, a gaming system using a CR unit and a CR machine inserts prepaid card purchase information (hereinafter abbreviated as "card sales amount") such as the type of prepaid card issued and its equivalent amount into the CR unit. By transmitting the sales information (hereinafter, referred to as “card usage status”) such as the number of balls lent by the prepaid card to a card management company or the like that manages the sales of the store using the prepaid card via a network or the like. , Managed. For this reason, a game system (cash system) using a general machine (a general pachinko machine for a CR machine)
Another management.

On the other hand, recently, for example, registered utility model No. 30
A replay system based on accumulated balls as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 42889 is adopted. This means that a prepaid card can be purchased using a card issuing system, and the player's accumulated ball data is put into a replay card issuing machine, and a replay card having the same function as the prepaid card is generated based on this data. You can get a card. At the end of play, the number of balls
When the number of exchanged prizes for the desired prize is less than the desired number or when the player wants to play the game next time, this is stored in the membership card issued when the member is registered as ball storage data, and the ball storage is used at a later date. This is a system that enables replay. Specifically, the number of payouts counted by the ball counter is read, and the amount information corresponding to the number of payouts is added and recorded to the ball storage data of the read membership card. The player takes the member card back and, at the time of replay at a later date, inserts the member card into the ball lending machine and receives a supply of returned balls, thereby enabling replay.

[0006] However, it is not preferable to write the number of coins stored in the member card and bring it back to the player, since there is a risk that the data may be tampered with and illegal. For this reason,
A game medium such as a pachinko ball or a medal obtained by a player at a game console as shown in JP-A-7-15085 is deposited in a player's account established at a game store or a game store chain store. In addition, a ball storage / replay system has been proposed so that a ball can be withdrawn from this account and played repeatedly at a game console.

[0007]

According to the present invention, in addition to using a gaming system using a prepaid card supplied by a third party card supply organization already introduced into the store,
It is an object of the present invention to introduce a replay system which is inexpensive and resistant to fraud such as tampering of a card without performing remodeling work or replacing an expensive card issuing machine or a renting machine. While the repaid card with the same amount or equivalent value information as the prepaid card is issued from the prepaid card issuance machine, the prepaid card issuance machine reads out the data of the savings for realizing the replay and the amount or the equivalent value. Along with sending the data to the issuing machine, a child machine that can withdraw the savings data corresponding to the value of the issued card from the account will be added. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for managing the number of cards issued to the same member and a method for rescuing a lost or forgotten play card.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming system using a card in which a game medium is borrowed using a card to play a game, the amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money (the number of game media, for example, a unit of 100 yen) The first game card (prepaid card PC), which is a prepaid card that records other numerical values obtained by performing conversion, is issued, and is deposited in an account created and managed based on the membership number. A card issuing machine 7 for issuing a second game card (re-play card RC) in which the number of game media or other value information corresponding to the number of game media is recorded, and the inserted first game card or the A game media lending device (CR machine for lending between machines) that reads the value information of the second game card and lends the game media within the range of the value information.
0, CR inter-chamber medal lending machine) and a terminal controller 3 that independently manages and stores the status of issuance and use of the first game card and the second game card. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a gaming system using a card for renting a game medium using a card and playing a game, the residual value information after use is determined based on the ID of the issued card. A terminal controller 3 that manages the issuance status and usage status of each card ID based on the type of card to be stored and used, and the amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money (the number of game media) For example, a first game card (a prepaid card PC) which is a prepaid card is stored in the terminal controller 3 by storing another converted value such as a frequency of 100 yen as one unit. The number of game media deposited in the account created and managed based on the member number or other value information corresponding to the number of game media Wherein the card issuing machine 7 the terminal controller is stored to issue a second game card (replay card RC) and reads the ID information of the inserted first game card or the second game card,
A game medium lending device (CR inter-ball lending machine 10, CR inter-chamber medal lending machine) which sends to the terminal controller, receives residual value information based on the corresponding ID information, and lends game media within the range of the residual value information. ).

[0010] The card issuing machine 7 according to claim 1 or 2 determines the value of a sellable card based on the data of the inserted cash amount, and determines a first game card (a prepaid card PC). And the value of the issued card can be specified by the selection button. The membership card reader 6 receives the membership card MC and reads the membership number. The membership card reader 6 is connected to the network. The member number read out is sent to the member management device that manages the account, and issuable game media obtained by subtracting a commission required for issuance from the number of deposited game media stored under the member number in the member management device. The number of the issuable game media or other value information corresponding to the number of the issuable game media (e.g., 1 The card issuing machine is also provided as a card issuing machine that sends the value information to the card issuing machine after converting the value information into a numerical value obtained by performing other conversions, such as the number of degrees, and the card issuing machine 7 receives the value information. Is displayed, and the customer is allowed to select a desired issue card value by the selection button, and the second game card (replay card RC) is issued.

[0011] Further, the card issuing machine 7 according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, based on the inserted cash amount data,
It is possible to display the value of a sellable card and issue a first game card (prepaid card PC) whose value is specified by a selection button operated by a player. A member card reader 6 for reading a number is sent. The member card reader 6 sends the read member number to a member management device 2 for managing the account connected via a network, and stores the member number in the member management device 2. And other value information converted from the number of issuable game media obtained by subtracting the commission required for issuance from the number of depositable game media stored in the above (the amount of money, for example, 100 yen is regarded as one unit). The card issuing machine sub-unit 6 which receives the converted frequency, etc.) and sends the value information to the card issuing machine 7 is provided. With the over-de issuing machine displays the 該価 value information received, in which to select the value of the issued cards desired customer issues the second game card (replay card RC) and by the selection button.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, the first game card is a prepaid card PC issued by a card issuing organization as a third party, and the second card is a member card MC. Is a replay card RC that is issued by deducting the game media obtained by the player having the account into his own account and issuing the prepaid card PC when cash is inserted, and a member card When an MC is inserted, the reception of cash is disabled and a replay card RC is issued.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money (e.g., the number of game media, for example, the frequency of 100 yen as one unit, etc. Is stored in the terminal controller to issue a first game card (prepaid card PC), which is a prepaid card, and the number of game media deposited in an account created and managed based on the membership number. Alternatively, the terminal controller 3 stores value information (amount, for example, a number obtained by converting 100 yen per unit, etc.) corresponding to the number of game media into the terminal controller 3 and stores the second game card (re- In the card management method in the card system for issuing the play card RC), when the second game card is issued, the card is issued together with the member number. A new ID is given to the stored residual value data based on the already issued ID number and stored in response to a loss from the customer or a report of forgetting to bring the new ID number. This is achieved by causing a new card with a new ID to be issued and disabling the card with the old ID.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money (the number of game media, for example, the frequency of 100 yen as one unit, etc., is converted to another value by cash input). Is stored in the terminal controller to issue a first game card (prepaid card PC) as a prepaid card, and the number of game media deposited in an account created and managed based on the member number or A card for storing another value information (a numerical value obtained by performing another conversion, such as an amount, a frequency, etc.) corresponding to the number of game media in the terminal controller and issuing a second game card (replay card RC) In the card management method in the system, when the second game card is issued, the ID issued together with the membership number is issued.
In addition to storing a number, a plurality of second game cards are issued to one member number within a predetermined period, and the second number of IDs which have been given in addition to the ID number already issued is given. This is achieved by following the setting stored in the setting storage means provided in the terminal controller as to whether the issuance of a game card is permissible.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A replay system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a game (replay) system in which the present invention is applied to a current prepaid card system. The replay system 1 includes a member card reader 6, a card issuing machine 7, a CR gaming unit 9 (a gaming table 11 and a CR table ball lending machine for the gaming table 11 (a table ball lending machine)).
10) and a hall computer 12 and a terminal controller 3. The card issuing machine 7, the CR machine 10 and the card updating machine 8 are connected by a network LAN, and from the terminal controller 3 via the island controller 5 to the center computer 4 of the card supplier. They are connected by a network (ISDN network). Along with these,
The system is configured by the management system of the accumulated and replayed game shown in FIG. 2, and exchanges various information described later.

The terminal controller 3 has a network between the card issuing machine 7, the card renewal machine 8 and the CR machine 10 via an island controller 5 provided for each of the islands on which the game consoles are installed. It is connected via a LAN and is connected to a card management company via a network (ISDN network), and constitutes an existing prepaid card system as an information processing device for processing various information. The terminal controller 3 includes a card issuing machine 7
You can get the card sales amount from CR
From 0, the card use status (use amount) can be obtained.
These pieces of information are transmitted to the card management company together with the store identification information, and the settlement between the card management company and the store is made based on the difference between the card sales amount and the card usage amount. The setting of the issuance management period of the replay card RC and the allowable number of issued cards during the management period are stored in the setting storage means 56 of the terminal controller 3.

The card updating machine 8 is a prepaid card PC
Is issued after a predetermined expiration date, for example, 8 days after the issuance date (the expiration date can be updated when the expiration date expires from the issuance date, for example, 9 days).
Within this period, a prepaid card PC whose expiration date has expired is accepted and a new card whose expiration date has been updated is issued. Here, if the game shop uses a card supplied by the same card company, this card updating machine 8
It can be used in different stores depending on the location. Similarly, the replay card RC also has an expiration date and an update expiration date.
The card updating machine 8 updates C. In this case, the use of the replay card of another store is rejected.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the member management computer 2, which includes a workstation 21, a personal computer 22, a member card issuing machine 23, and a printer 24. The workstation 21 is provided with a management file for storing the information of the members and the data of the coins to be deposited by the members into pachinko balls, medals, other game media, and the like, and performs management.

Although this kind of ball storage data manages various types of game media separately, for example, the number of pachinko balls, medals, other game media, and the like may be converted into common frequency data and stored. In this management file, ledger data including members 'addresses, names, ages, genders, telephone numbers, etc., and members' visit data, etc. are stored and stored together with the management account for the number of game media.
Is managed.

In the member card reader 6 provided as a slave of the card issuing machine 7, a command for prohibiting the cash processing unit of the card issuing machine 7 from accepting cash when the member card MC is inserted into the card reader. Receiving the password, and requesting the workstation 21 of the member management computer 2 for issuable game medium number data obtained by subtracting a commission required for issuance from the number of game media deposited by the member to the workstation 21. Based on the data on the number of game media that can be issued, the process of converting the number of game media that can be issued into money data is performed, and the money data is sent to the card issuing machine 7. The card issuing machine 7 performs the same processing as accepting cash.
First, the amount of money is displayed, and in response to pressing of the select button, a card in which a flag, which is a ball storage replay card, is written is issued, and a signal for issuing the selected card is sent to the slave unit. The handset converts the amount data of the issued card into the number of game media,
It is sent to the workstation 21 as game medium number data. The workstation 21 deposits the number of game media based on the number-of-game-media data received from the child device and the fee required for issuance, and subtracts the number from the number of game media.
The conversion by the slave unit can also be performed by the member management computer 2.

The replay card RC is used only for borrowing game media for replay, and cannot be cashed and cannot be exchanged for prizes. (Sales and medals)
And the handling that the property changed.

According to the replay system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a player visiting a store can enjoy a game in the following procedure.

(1) Cash is inserted into the card issuing machine 7 to obtain a prepaid card PC.

(2) The prepaid card PC is inserted into the CR machine between lenders 10 or the medal lender between CR units of the CR game unit 9 to discharge the game medium and play a game.

(3) The member card MC is inserted into the card reader, and the number of balls coming out of the gaming table 11 is counted by the ball counter 4.
3. In the case of medals, they are counted by the medal counter 44 and deposited in their own account.

(4) Bring home the member card MC.

(5) When returning the prize, the member goes to the prize exchange counter 30 to present the member card MC to the clerk, and when the card is inserted into the member card reader 6, the balls stored in the prize exchange management machine 32. The number of medals or the number of medals is displayed.
Read in 3 and withdraw the ball and exchange it for a prize. Also,
The prize is released by the prize automatic dispenser 35. Also,
The contents of the exchange with the prize are printed by the printer 34.

(6) When visiting a store the other day, or when leaving the store for business purposes and resuming the game, it is necessary to exchange a prize without exchanging prizes or only a part of the prize. If the game media has been deposited, the player can take out the deposited game media from his / her account and play again. At the time of replay, the member card MC is inserted into the member card reader 6. Then, the amount is displayed on the card issuing machine 7 as a cash amount that can be used based on the game media deposited in the account, so that the player can obtain a replay card by pressing a button of a desired amount. , Take the member card MC and sit in front of the CR gaming unit 9. The replay card RC is inserted into the CR gaming machine lending machine 10 of the CR gaming unit 9 in the same sense as using the prepaid card PC, and replayed at the gaming table 11.

(7) When the player saves the payout obtained during the game, the member card MC is passed through the member card reader 41 to be counted by the pachinko ball counter 43, and the gaming table is operated by a slot machine or the like. If the token is used, the token is counted by the token counter 44 through the member card reader 42 and is added to the number of coins stored by the equal member in the management file in the workstation 21. The player returns the member card MC again. Alternatively, when the number of coins that match the favorite prize is obtained, the prize is exchanged for the prize, the remaining number of balls is set as the number of coins, and the prize and the member card MC are brought back. When the ball is not stored or outside the designated time, the ball counted by putting the game medium into the pachinko ball counter 43 or the medal counter 44 without passing the member card MC through the member card readers 41 and 42. Receiving a receipt in which the number or the number of medals is recorded as a number and a barcode by a built-in printer. After that, the counter reads the receipt with the scanner, and requests the store clerk to perform a process of saving the ball or exchanging the prize.

(8) Hereinafter, the above (6) (the above (1) when there are no more coins) to (7) are repeated to play.

A customer who does not have a member card MC can purchase a prepaid card and play a game, but cannot play a ball.

Next, the components of the replay system 1 will be described step by step.

The card issuing machine 7 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 3, and is for communicating with the terminal controller 3 via the communication means 70 with the member card reader (child device) 6 and the island controller 5. Communication means 71, cash processing means 73 for accepting cash and paying change, display means 75 for displaying the amount of money that can be purchased, etc., and the type of card purchased by the player (1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, etc.) Selecting means 77 for performing a prepaid card PC
Issuing means 7 for issuing replay card RC
4, pulse generating means 76 for notifying the type and amount of the card at the time of issuance of the card to the hall computer 12, clerk operating means 78 having a mode setting key and ten keys for a clerk operation and a display unit, transaction contents LOG storage means 79 for logging the data to obtain the total data, and a control means 72 for controlling these.

[0035] The customer can use the cash processing means (coin mech,
When inserted into the bill validator 73, the inserted amount is displayed on the display means 75, and the card selection button 77 with the available amount display is lit. By pressing a card selection button 77 indicating a predetermined amount, a prepaid card (first game card) corresponding to the selected predetermined amount
Issue a PC. In this case, the card sales amount of the card issuing machine 7 is transmitted to the terminal controller 3 via the network LAN by the communication means 71 as POS information, and as described above, along with the shop identification information, the network (ISDN network) is transmitted. The information is transmitted to the center computer 4 of the card management company via the card management company, and is recorded and managed. As a result, when the remaining amount is stored in the prepaid card PC, the customer can issue the renewal card by the card renewal machine 8 so that the customer can use the prepaid card P at another store.
C can be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the member card reader 6, which is a slave of the card issuing machine 7, has a display means 63, a card reading means 67, a password input means 65, a selection instruction means 64, and a control means 66 for controlling these. , A communication unit 62 with the card issuing machine 7 and a communication unit 61 with the member management computer 2. Its appearance is shown in FIG. When the member card MC is inserted into the member card reader 6 which is a child machine of the card issuing machine 7, a guide screen for inputting a password is displayed on the display means. Enter the number. Then, the number of stored coins and the number of stored medals are displayed on the display means 64, and the selection instructing means 64 selects and inputs which one is to be withdrawn and a replay card is issued. When the card issuing machine 7 displays the converted amount of the predetermined number of replayed balls on the display means 75, the player presses the select button 77, which is a card selection means for selecting a card having the desired amount of money. A replay card (second game card) RC corresponding to the number of replay balls is issued. The replay card RC is issued by transmitting the member number recorded in the member card MC to the member management computer 2 via the network LAN, and from the member management computer 2, the card issuing machine use permission and the number of issuable media and This is performed by receiving the information of the personal identification number. The details will be described later.

The member card MC is preferably a card capable of recording only a discrimination code such as a member number as described above. In this case, since there is no need to read or re-record the number of stored coins, the membership card MC can be a card having a simple configuration. When issuing the replay card RC from the card issuer 7, the number of balls corresponding to the amount of the replay card RC is subtracted from the number of saved balls, and the remaining number of balls is stored in the management file in the workstation 21 as the number of saved balls. The member card is updated from the member card reader (child device) 6 by updating the number of coins stored for the member number. Since the member management computer 2 is separate from the hall computer 12, it is not necessary to interrupt other processes and perform the issuance authorization determination process every time a replay card RC is issued, so that the load is reduced. In addition, the speed of other processes, for example, the analysis process of various information described later can be increased.

Since the member management computer 2 is independent, the store can manage customers, can provide services and events for members only, can secure fixed customers, and expand management strategies based on customer analysis. The advantage is that the customer can receive the member priority service. In these cases,
Since only the member number is recorded on the member card MC, even if the member is stolen, the member information is not leaked. However, security such as inputting the personal identification number when using the slave unit 6 of the card issuing machine 7 is used. I will secure it.

It is desirable that the replay card RC be a card having the same configuration as the prepaid card PC. When adopting a card having the same configuration, a part of the common card is configured to include information indicating which card has been issued, so that both cards can be used in the CR-chamber lending machine 10 described later. Can be identified, and the number of balls lent by the prepaid card PC and the number of replay balls by the replay card can be classified and managed. In this case, for example, perforations for identifying the prepaid card PC and the replay card RC are provided at different locations on the common card and at different locations from the perforations indicating the number of remaining balls described above. For example, it is possible to identify both cards depending on the punching position and the like. Alternatively, a flag for specifying the type of card may be provided on the magnetic stripe. Also, the appearance of the common card, for example, the design of the surface may be different from each other so that the customer can easily identify the common card. In this case, it is possible for a customer having both cards to identify the card to be inserted, and it is possible to prevent a mistake in inserting the card.

The CR inter-ball lending machine 10 is configured to pay out balls by inserting the prepaid card PC or the replay card RC, and a predetermined amount of money (the number of balls or one unit of 100 yen, for example). By pressing a selection button (not shown) indicating a value such as the number of credits, for a prepaid card PC, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the number of lending balls from the stored remaining amount is displayed. , CR
In the case of the re-play card RC, which is stored in the tama ball lending machine 10, the number of returned balls is subtracted from the stored amount information,
The information is stored in the CR machine 10 and held until it is returned by operating the return switch after play. At the same time, information on the amount of money used by the card is sent to the terminal controller 3 and stored therein. Then, a desired number of balls corresponding to the selected predetermined number of balls are supplied to the upper plate of the playing unit of the gaming table 11. The processing information of the CR-tanma ball lending machine 10, for example, information such as the type of card and the amount of money used (frequency) is:
Terminal controller 3 via network LAN
Sent to. The usage amount is also sent to the hall computer 12 by the pulse signal. The operation information of the gaming table 11 is sent to the hall computer 12 to manage the table information. Further, information such as the number of balls to be lent by the prepaid card PC, that is, the card usage amount is determined by the network LA.
It is transmitted to the terminal controller 3 via the island controller 5 via N, and is used for the above-mentioned settlement and the like.

The customer enjoys the play based on the ball thrown out on the play section upper plate of the gaming table 11, ends the play when he / she is free, and brings the payout to the pachinko ball counter 43. be able to. The pachinko ball counting machine 43 counts the number of the balls and issues a recording medium such as a receipt or a magnetic card printed with a bar code and a number on which the number of balls is recorded. According to the circumstances described above, it can be taken to the prize exchange counter 30 and exchanged for a prize, or a coin can be stored as described later.

In addition, as the CR machine between machines between CRs,
Insertion slot for prepaid card PC and replay card RC
As described above, a common card is adopted as the same input port, and the input port for use is internally identified.
When a common card is used, in addition to the above-mentioned slot, the structure (hard surface) and information processing algorithm (soft surface) inside the Taima ball lending machine can be shared. Further, by discriminating the two cards, it is possible to determine whether the play is a new play or a replay by changing the software of the terminal controller 3 and changing the CR-chamber lending machine 10 by a small change. The system can be changed from a dedicated card PC to a system that can handle both a prepaid card PC and a replay card RC.

As the processing at the end of the above-mentioned game, a ball counter is provided for each gaming table 11 to count the number of remaining balls at that time and output the same to a receipt, a magnetic recording card, or the like. And the like may be used to bring the prize to the prize exchange counter 30. In this case, there is no need to carry heavy pachinko balls, which is convenient. In addition, when directly saving a ball, the payout is directly performed by the member card reader 41.
The number may be counted by the pachinko ball counter 43 provided with the above, transmitted to the workstation 21 via the network LAN, and added to the number of stored coins of the corresponding member number in the management file.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the terminal controller 3. The card issuing machine 7 communicates with the communication means 51 via the island controller 5, for example, the type of the issued prepaid PC and its equivalent. Information such as the amount of money, the type of replay card RC, its equivalent amount, and the member number can be obtained. Information on the prepaid card PC is stored in the prepaid card data storage means 54,
Information on the replay card RC is stored in the replay card data storage unit 55. From the information and the information stored therein, the store can grasp the issuance status of the prepaid card PC, the issuance status of the replay card RC, the number of times of use of the member, and the like. Further, by operating from the operation / display unit 58, the printing unit 57 can print the total result. And replay card RC
The operation period for multiple issuance and the maximum number of
The information is input by the display means 58 and stored in the setting storage means 56. The information stored in the prepaid card data storage means 54 is sent to the center computer 4 through the network (ISDN network) by the communication means 52 at regular or as needed.

As described above, the terminal controller 3
Inside, the ID of the prepaid card PC and the ID of the replay card are managed separately. Based on the ID of the prepaid card PC, payment of the issued card price from the game store to the card company and management of the used lending ball received by the game store from the card company are performed. As for the replay card, the issue ID of the replay card, the membership number recorded on the member card MC, the issue amount, and the current balance are managed. Control can be performed. Also, a replay card can be issued to a member who has forgotten or lost the replay card on the day.

Next, description will be made with reference to FIG. The member card issuing machine 23 has a function of issuing a new member card MC when the customer first offers to the store that he wants to join as a new member of the replay system 1.

The workstation 21 has a recording means for recording the number of accumulated coins for each member number in an internal management file.
0, so that information can be collected from the membership card readers 41, 42 connected to the pachinko ball counter 43, the medal counter 44, the premium exchange management machine 32 connected to the membership card reader 31 of the premium exchange counter 30, and the like. , Connected via a network LAN, and connected to an external management computer via a network LAN,
It is configured as an information processing device for processing various information. From these information and the information stored inside,
The store can grasp customer information such as the number of stored balls, the number of replayed balls, the number of times members have used and their age distribution, and the like.

The personal computer 22 is connected to the above-described workstation 21 via a LAN, and is used to register a new account in the workstation 21 or to perform statistical processing and correction of data stored in the workstation 21. The clerk can operate it when going.

When registering a new account in response to a new member application, the member number is registered by registering a new member card MC in the member card issuing machine 23.

From the personal computer 22, it is possible to obtain the number of new member cards MC issued, the number of already used member cards MC used, their membership numbers, and the corresponding number of coins. Further, from the terminal of the prize exchange counter 30, information such as the number of exchanged prizes for the day and the type of prize can be obtained.

The personal computer 22
Is connected to the printer 24, and management reports,
Direct mail can be printed based on the member data stored in the management file.

The member card reader 41 and the pachinko ball counting machine 43 are used when the player deposits the pachinko balls obtained by the game into his / her account.

When the player exchanges pachinko balls for prizes, the pachinko ball counting machine 43 counts the number of pachinko balls. When the counting is completed, the pachinko ball counter 43 records the counting result on a recording sheet by a built-in printer and issues a receipt. Here, the receipt records the counting result as a number and a barcode. The player brings the output receipt to a prize exchange counter and exchanges it for a prize.

On the other hand, when the player deposits pachinko balls in his / her account, the player inserts the membership card MC into the member card reader 41 and causes the pachinko ball counting machine 43 to count the number of pachinko balls. As a result, the workstation 21 described above counts the counting result of the pachinko ball counting machine 43 based on the account number recorded on the member card MC into the number of pachinko balls deposited into the account corresponding to the account number of the member (the number of balls).
Is added to. When the player exchanges medals obtained by the game for prizes or deposits them in his own account, the same operation is performed using the member card reader 42 and the medal counter 44.

The premium exchange counter 30 includes a membership card reader 31, a premium exchange manager 32, a scanner 33, and a printer 3.
4 and a prize automatic dispensing machine 35. The member card reader 31 is connected to the prize exchange management machine 32, and is used to identify the member's account when the player exchanges pachinko balls and medals deposited in his own account for prizes. . Further, the barcode of the receipt output by the built-in printer of the counters 43 and 44 is read, and the read information (the counting results of the counters 43 and 44) is sent to the premium exchange management machine 32.

The card updating machine 8 has a configuration as shown in FIG. Terminal controller 3 via island controller 5, communication means 80 for communicating with center computer 4 as a terminal, display means 81 for displaying operation guidance and information at the time of staff operation, prepaid card PC or replay card Card issuing means 83 for reissuing RC, staff operating means 84 having a mode setting key and numeric keypad so that the staff can operate in the staff operating mode, card reading and collecting means 85 for reading and collecting expired cards, and And control means 82 for controlling

Next, a description will be given of a replay card RC issuance with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the explanation is started from the place where the store system is started during business hours. When the power of the entire system is turned on and the entire system becomes operable, a message indicating the start of operation is sent from the terminal controller 3 and the system is put into the operation state. The card issuing machine 7 sends a card acceptance permission message to the member card reader 6 (step S10).
0). Then, the member card reader 6 waits for insertion of the member card. When the member card MC is inserted, the member card reader 6 sends to the member management computer 2 and the card issuing machine 7 a message indicating the card insertion with the member number recorded on the member card MC (step S10).
1).

The member management computer 2 searches the received member number and transmits the personal identification number, the number of stored coins and the number of stored medals stored under the member number to the member card reader 6 (step S102).

The card issuing machine 7 makes an inquiry to the terminal controller 3 as to whether or not the replay card RC of the corresponding member number can be issued when receiving the message with the card inserted (step S104). It is prohibited (step S103).

The terminal controller 3 searches how many cards have been issued during the period set by the received member number (step S105), and judges whether the number has been reached (step S106). If the number has not been reached, a notice of issue OK is transmitted (step S10).
7). On the other hand, if the number has reached the predetermined number, a notification of the issue NG is sent to the card issuing machine 7 (step S108).

The member card reader 6 determines whether there is a notification result received from the card issuing machine 7, whether there is a medium that can be exchanged from the member management computer 2, and whether the terminal controller 3
Is determined, the NG notification is sent to the card issuing machine 7 if NG, and step S if OK.
Proceed to 113 (step S109). When the NG notification is transmitted, the member card reader 6 displays the return reason on the display unit 6.
3 is displayed, for example, "Issuance is not possible because the number of issued cards is over" or "Issue shortage of coins and medals is not enough to issue cards" (step S110), and the membership card MC is displayed. And returns to the standby state (step S111). On the other hand, the card issuing machine 7 receives the NG notification, releases the cash deposit prohibition, and returns to the standby state.

On the other hand, when the member card reader 6 receives the OK notification, it waits for the input of the personal identification number (step S11).
3) It is determined whether the personal identification number matches the one received from the member management computer 2 and if not, NG
The notification is sent to the card issuing machine 7 and the member card MC is discharged, and the process returns to the standby state (step S114). The card issuing machine 7 that has received the NG notification releases the cash acceptance prohibition and returns to the standby state (step S115).

Next, the player is made to select which of the ball and the medal to withdraw (step S116). In accordance with the type of the selected game media, the number of game media × the exchange unit price is calculated to convert the amount. The result is sent to the card issuing machine 7 as an issuable amount (step S117).

The card issuing machine 7 receives the issuable amount and issues a card of an issuable amount, for example, 1000 cards.
Among the available yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, and 5,000 yen, those that can be issued are displayed (step S118). Then, wait for the selection button to be pressed, and when the selection button is pressed, create a new ID of the replay card RC including the member number and transmit a registration request to the terminal controller 3 (step S11).
9) and the ID is recorded on the card (step S1).
20).

In response to the registration request, the terminal controller 3 stores the ID,
The date of issue and the amount of issue are recorded, and a message of registration OK is returned (step S121).

When the card issuing machine 7 receives the message of registration OK, it sends the debit amount to the member card reader 6 (step S122). Therefore, the member card reader 6 calculates the remaining amount and sends the remaining amount to the card issuing machine 7 (step S1).
23). The card issuing machine 7 collates the balance calculated by itself with the balance from the member card reader 6, and if they match, it is determined that the transaction has been established, writes the LOG file, and transmits an update request (step S124). .

Upon receiving the update request, the member card reader 6 calculates the number of game media to be deducted from the amount,
An update request is transmitted to the member management computer 2 (step S125). The member management computer 2 updates the remaining coins or stored medals of the corresponding member number, and transmits an update completion notification (step S126).

The member card reader 6 receives the update completion notice and transmits the update completion notice to the card issuing machine 7 (step S127). The card issuing machine 7 sends a command to discharge the membership card to the member card reader 6, and sends a pulse signal indicating the type and the amount of the issued replay card to the hall computer 12 to discharge the replay card RC. The cash is returned to the acceptable state and the process returns to the waiting state (step S128).

Upon receiving the card ejection command, the member card reader 6 ejects the member card MC and returns to the standby state (step S118).

In the above description of FIGS. 8 and 9, the number of issuable game media obtained by subtracting a commission required for issuance from the number of game media deposited on the management computer is calculated by the management computer.
The membership card reader 6 converts the information into amount information. At this time, the member management computer 2 automatically calculates the number of issueable game media obtained by subtracting the commission required for issuance from the number of game media deposited. It can be converted into an issuable amount and transmitted to the member card reader 6 as an issuable amount.

Next, the processing for throwing out game media using the replay card RC in the CR-chamber lending machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Explanation will be made based on 0.

When a card is inserted into the CR machine, the card confirmation message is transmitted to the terminal controller 3 via the island controller 5 (step S20).
0). The message contains a card ID, and it is checked whether valuable information that can be thrown out remains after being registered, and a use permission is returned if possible (step S201). The CR machine 10 displays the remaining valuable information and waits for pressing of the ball lending button (step S20).
2).

When the ball lending button is depressed, the pachinko ball lending machine 10 releases a pachinko ball (a medal in the case of a medal lending machine) and transmits a subtraction request to the terminal controller 3. At this time, a pulse signal of the usage amount is transmitted to the hall computer 12 (step S203).
When the terminal controller 3 receives a subtraction request from the CR vending machine 10, the terminal controller 3 performs a renewal registration process of the remaining amount.
The result is notified to the CR-chamber ball rental machine 10 of completion (step S204). Thereafter, the process returns to step S202 or the card is taken out by pressing the return button (step S205, step S206).

The above operation is performed on the prepaid card PC.
Can be explained using the same flow as in the case of renting out a game medium using. That is, when the prepaid card PC is a transaction target, the prepaid card data storage means 54 of the terminal controller 3 is an update target, and when the replay card RC is a transaction target, the replay card data storage means 55 of the terminal controller 3 is updated. Be updated. C
The operation of the R-to-R machine 10 is exactly the same, and the terminal controller 3 recognizes the prepaid card PC and the replay card RC and manages data.

Further, in the replay system 1, it is possible to save and replay the ball just by adding a function of reading the value information (the number of accumulated balls) of the replay card RC to the current CR-chamber lending machine 10. In addition, the card issuance function is such that two types of cards can be handled simply by adding a function of connecting the member card reader 6 as a slave unit and issuing a replay card RC to a card issuing machine 7 such as a current prepaid card system. The function can be extended. In other words, the replay system of the present invention can be applied to a current system such as a prepaid card system without complicating the system.
And it can be easily applied while maintaining the current system. Also, in this case, a replay ball rental machine is unnecessary,
Since it is not necessary to carry the replay ball taken out of the replay ball rental machine, the replay can be enjoyed in the same manner as when playing using the prepaid card PC.

In the replay system 1, information such as the use information of the prepaid card PC and the use information of the replay card RC is collected by the hole computer 12 (information processing device) by a pulse signal, and the usage status of the card is determined. It is possible to analyze the sales situation, etc. and collect information from a plurality of CR pachinko ball rental machines, so that the customer's preference for the pachinko machine model etc. can be grasped. Accuracy can be increased. Further, this configuration can be easily realized by adding information relating to replay to the information to be transmitted / received for the IN-OUT management of each pachinko machine in the current system. There is an advantage that it is easy.

In the replay system 1, the card issuing machine 7 can share the prepaid card PC issuance and the replay card RC issuance, so that the card issuing mechanism can be used in common. When introducing the ball storage / replay system to a shop employing the system, the system can be carried out on each unit without major remodeling, so that a convenient system can be provided.

A prepaid card PC (first game card) in which the value information is recorded or the value information is stored in the terminal controller 3 in association with the ID in response to the insertion of cash or the insertion of the membership card MC. Issue a replay card RC (second game card). In any case, by inserting the card issued from the card issuing machine 7 into the CR machine, the pachinko machine 11 can play the card, and the C card can be played.
Since it is possible to identify the type of card inserted in the R-to-Ranking machine 10, it is possible to determine whether the source is cash or ball storage.

Further, in the replay system 1, similarly to the current prepaid card system, the card sales amount of the prepaid card PC issued from the card issuing machine 7,
Prepaid card PC inserted in the CR machine
The terminal controller 3 collects information such as the number of balls to be borrowed, that is, the card usage amount, and transmits the information to the card management company described above. You can save and replay while maintaining the current system, such as making payments with stores.

If the member management computer 2, the terminal controller 3, and the hall computer 12 are the same, or if the member management computer 2 and the terminal controller 3 are the same, the operation information of the CR inter-ball lending machine 10 and the gaming table 11 is obtained. In addition to the above, if a member number is recorded on the inserted card, the member number can be read out and linked with the operation information of the game console to know the gaming trend of the member.

Further, the store can grasp the total number of balls played out on the day, the total number of balls stored, the ratio thereof, the prize stock, the sales and profits of the day, the expected profits in the day, and the like from the information. it can. As a result, the store can perform daily business management such as prize inventory management in a timely manner. Further, by managing via the member number, information for each member number, that is, for each customer can be collected, and customer analysis and customer management can be performed. In addition, this information, along with other management information, etc., can be used to modernize and rationalize the management of the store,
Needless to say.

Replay card RC based on FIG. 10 described above
In the example of the withdrawal of the game medium according to the above, the case where the amount data is not recorded on the card RC has been described. However, when the amount data is recorded on the card RC, the card RC is inserted and the remaining The amount can be displayed. In addition, by sending a card confirmation and a return notification message from the CR machine between machines 10 to the terminal controller 3,
The terminal controller 3 recognizes that a card is inserted in the CR machine 10 and prohibits the use of a duplicate card having the same ID.

Next, a method for reissuing a replay card will be described. As a first embodiment, an example will be described in which a card issuing machine 7 and a member card reader (child device) 6 are used.

(1) An employee of the game store operates the operation mode setting key of the clerk operating means 78 at the card issuing machine 7 to change the setting from the normal operation mode to the replay card reissue mode.

(2) Next, the member card MC is inserted into the member card reader (child device) 6, and the player inputs a personal identification number. The member card reader 6 sends the member number and the password to the member management computer 2 to confirm the identity of the person, receives the notification that the member number and the password match, and attaches the member number to the card issuing machine 7. To notify.

(3) Upon receiving the member number, the card issuing machine 7 sends the member number to the terminal controller 3, and upon receiving the current remaining amount data, displays it on the clerk operation panel and causes the clerk to confirm it. If there is a balance, the issue button is pressed to give a new card ID and a replay card RC is created. Then, an update notification is transmitted to the terminal controller 3.

(4) The terminal controller 3 sets the old card data to unusable based on the issuance notification from the card issuing machine 7, transfers the remaining amount data under the received card ID, and stores it. An update completion notification is sent to the card issuing machine 7.

(5) The card issuing machine 7 receives the update completion notification from the terminal controller 3 and discharges the replay card RC created.

(6) The operation mode is returned to normal by the operation of the attendant, and the processing ends.

Next, as a second embodiment of the method of reissuing the replay card RC, an example in which the card updater 8 is used will be described.

(1) The employee of the game store operates the mode setting key of the clerk operating means 84 with the card updating machine 8 to change the setting from the normal operation mode to the replay card RC reissue mode.

(2) Next, the employee enters the member number using the attendant's operation panel, sends a balance inquiry message to the terminal controller 3, and displays the remaining amount on the display section of the operation panel. When the reissue button on the operation panel is pressed, a new card ID is given to create a replay card RC. Then, an update notification is transmitted to the terminal controller 3.

(3) The terminal controller 3 sets the old card data to unusable based on the issuance notification from the card updater 8, transfers the remaining amount data under the received card ID, and stores it. An update completion notice is sent to the card update machine 8.

(4) The card updater 8 receives the update completion notification from the terminal controller 3 and discharges the replay card RC created.

(5) The operation mode is returned to the normal mode by operating the mode setting key of the attendant operation means 84, and the processing ends.

In addition, the configuration of the details can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0097]

According to the systems of the first and second aspects of the present invention, if the game shop has introduced a prepaid card system and a coin storage / replay system, a new game medium withdrawal device (each game machine) can be newly installed at each machine. Play balls lending machine and replay medal lending machine for each unit) can be replayed on each unit without introduction or replacement. Replays can be performed on each issuer by increasing the number of devices such as adding a slave unit to the issuer and making minor modifications such as a renting machine between cars, thereby reducing installation costs.

In stores where only prepaid cards are introduced, a system for storing and replaying balls without introducing a game media withdrawal device for each unit such as a replay ball lending machine for each unit and a medal lending machine for each unit. The re-play on each unit is possible only by the introduction, and the introduction cost is similarly reduced.

In the first invention, the terminal controller stores the current balance of the replay card together with the ID number of the card. If the terminal card is lost, the current ID number is set to unusable. , A replay card having a new ID number can be reissued.

In the third aspect of the present invention, the same member can be set to permit or restrict a plurality of replay cards on the same day, so that the members can be provided with convenience.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gaming system using a card.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how to save and replay.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a card issuing machine 7;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a member card reader 6.

FIG. 5 is an external view illustrating member card readers 6, 31, 41, and 42.

FIG. 6 illustrates the terminal controller 3.

FIG. 7 is an external view illustrating a card updating machine 8;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating issuance of a replay card.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating issuance of a replay card.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of obtaining a lending ball by inserting a replay card into a CR lending machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 MC Membership card PC Prepaid card RC Replay card 2 Membership management computer 3 Terminal controller 4 Center computer 5 Island controller 6 Membership card reader (slave unit) 7 Card issuing machine 8 Card renewal machine 9 CR gaming unit 10 CR machine DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Amusement table 12 Hall computer 21 Workstation 30 Premium exchange counter 31, 41, 42 Member card reader 32 Premium exchange management machine 43 Pachinko ball counter 44 Medal counter

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Matsui 1-3-1, Shimoteno, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture Inside Glory Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yuichi Fujita Links Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C088 BA88 BB03 BB07 BB14 BB27 BB28 BB30 BB45 CA02 CA05 CA07 CA30 CA31

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A game system using a card for playing a game by borrowing a game medium using the card, wherein the first value is a prepaid card in which an amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money is recorded by inserting cash. Issue a game card and issue a second game card that records the number of game media deposited in an account created and managed based on the member number or other value information corresponding to the number of game media. A card issuing machine, a game medium lending device for reading value information of the inserted first game card or the second game card, and lending game media within the range of the value information, A card comprising a game card and a terminal controller for independently managing and storing the status of issuance and use of the second game card. Gaming system. 2. A game system using a card in which a game medium is borrowed to play a game using the card, wherein the remaining value information after use is stored based on the ID of the card to be issued and the type of the card used. And a terminal controller that manages the issuance status and usage status of each card ID, and stores the amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money into the terminal controller by inserting cash into the terminal controller. And stores the number of game media deposited in the account created and managed based on the member number or other value information corresponding to the number of game media in the terminal controller, and stores the second value in the terminal controller. A card issuing machine for issuing a game card of the type described above, and the inserted first game card or the second game car And a game medium lending device for reading the ID information of the game card, sending the read ID information to the terminal controller, receiving residual value information based on the corresponding ID information, and lending game media within the range of the residual value information. A gaming system using a card. 3. The card issuing machine issues a first game card by determining the value of a sellable card based on the inserted cash amount data, and issues the value of the issued card by a selection button. A member card reader that receives a member card and reads a member number, and the member card reader sends the read member number to a member management device that manages the account connected via a network, The member management device receives the number of issueable game media obtained by subtracting a commission required for issuance from the number of depositable game media stored under the member number in the member management device, and receives the received number of issueable game media or the The card issuing machine is provided with a card issuing unit which converts the value information into other value information corresponding to the number of issueable game media and sends the value information to the card issuing machine. The game system using the card according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second game card is issued by causing the customer to select a desired value of the issued card by the selection button, and issuing the second game card. 4. The card issuing machine displays a value of a salable card based on the inserted cash amount data, and a first game card whose value is specified by a selection button operated by a player. And a member card reader for receiving the member card and reading the member number. The member card reader sends the read member number to a member management device that manages the account connected via a network. The number of issuable game media obtained by subtracting the commission required for issuance from the number of deposited game media stored under the member number in the member management device, or another value converted from the number of issuable game media. A card issuing machine that receives information and sends the value information to the card issuing machine is provided in parallel, and the received value information is displayed. The gaming system using a card according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second gaming card is issued by allowing a customer to select a desired value of the issuing card. 5. The first game card is a prepaid card issued by a third party card issuing organization, and the second card stores a game medium acquired by a player having a membership card in his / her account. This is a replay card that is issued after being deducted from the deposit.If the cash is inserted, the above prepaid card is issued, and if a member card is inserted, the cash is disabled. 2. A card issuing machine for issuing a replay card by using the card issuing machine.
A game system using the card according to claim 2. 6. The terminal controller stores an amount of money or other value information corresponding to the amount of money by inputting cash, issues a first game card which is a prepaid card, and is created and managed based on a member number. A card management method in a card system for issuing a second game card by storing the number of game media deposited in an account or value information corresponding to the number of game media in the terminal controller. When the game card is issued, the ID number to be issued is stored together with the member number, and the ID number already issued in response to the loss from the customer or the declaration of forgetting to bring the card is stored.
New ID for residual value data stored based on D number
A card with the new ID, and a card with the old ID set to be unusable. 7. A first game card, which is a prepaid card, is stored and stored in the terminal controller in accordance with the amount of cash and other value information corresponding to the amount is generated and managed based on the member number. A card management method in a card system for issuing a second game card by storing the number of game media deposited in an account or other value information corresponding to the number of game media in the terminal controller, When a second game card is issued, the ID number to be issued is stored together with the member number, and when issuing a plurality of the second game cards for one member number within a predetermined period, In addition to the already issued ID number stored in the setting storage means provided in the terminal controller, A card management method according to a setting as to whether issuance of the second game card to which D has been given is permitted.